South Carolina General Assembly
112th Session, 1997-1998
Journal of the House of Representatives

TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 1998

Tuesday, March 10, 1998
(Statewide Session)

Indicates Matter Stricken
Indicates New Matter

The House assembled at 12:00 Noon.
Deliberations were opened with prayer by the Chaplain of the House of Representatives, the Rev. Dr. Alton C. Clark as follows:

We thank You, Lord, for another day. May we use it well and wisely, knowing that the day's end harvest is determined by the seed that we sow, that opportunity is often lost because we are broadcasting when we should be tuned in. So teach us to know that a person cannot change the past by all his worrying, but can ruin a perfectly good present by worrying about the future. Fill our hearts with love that there be no place for ill will, our minds with truth that there be no room for falsehood. And bring us to the shadows of evening, maybe weary, but in the consciousness of work well done.
Hear us, God, in this our prayer. Amen.

Pursuant to Rule 6.3, the House of Representatives was led in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America by the SPEAKER.

After corrections to the Journal of the proceedings of Friday, the SPEAKER ordered it confirmed.

MOTION ADOPTED

Rep. STUART moved that when the House adjourns, it adjourn in memory of Ms. Lucille Turney High of Columbia, which was agreed to.

REPORT RECEIVED
REPORT BY CLERK OF THE HOUSE OF SALE OF 1997
SOUTH CAROLINA LEGISLATIVE MANUAL

In accordance with the action taken by the General Assembly on April 9, 1963 and Act No. 764, 1964, authorizing the sale of the South Carolina Legislative Manual, I wish to report the following:
Cash On Hand   $ 10.00
Total number of Manuals sold from
May 5, 1997 to March 5, 1998,
2,219 @ $5.00 each.   11,095.00

Total   $11,105.00
Accounting:
Cash on Hand   $ 10.00
Cash Deposited in State's
General Fund   11,095.00
Total   $11,105.00

Sandra K. McKinney

Clerk of the House
March 6, 1998

INVITATIONS

On motion of Rep. QUINN, with unanimous consent, the following were taken up for immediate consideration and accepted.

March 5, 1998
The Honorable Rick Quinn
Chairman, House Invitations Committee
503-A Blatt Building
Columbia, South Carolina 29201

Dear Rep. Quinn:
The S.C. Department of Natural Resources, Marine Resources Division is hosting a Social/Educational Coffee to be held on Thursday, March 12, 1998, from 9:00 until 11:00 A.M. in Room 208 of the Blatt Building, Capital Complex. The purpose of this function is to brief members on a Bill (Chapter 5) to rewrite coastal fisheries laws. We respectfully request that the Coffee be placed on the House Calendar.
If you have any questions please contact me at 803/762-5102.
Thank you.

Sincerely,
Nan C. Jenkins
Assistant to the Deputy Director

March 3, 1998
The Honorable Rick Quinn
Chairman, House Invitations Committee
503-A Blatt Building
Columbia, South Carolina 29201

Dear Rep. Quinn:
I would like to take this opportunity to invite the members of the House of Representatives to a breakfast on Thursday, March 19 from 8:00 A.M. to 9:00 A.M. in room 208 of the Blatt Building. The speakers for the morning will be addressing children's issues involving current legislation. Our scheduled speakers include Senator Linda Short, the Honorable Bruce Williams, and John Niblock from the Alliance for South Carolina's Children.
The Roundtable is sponsoring the breakfast and sincerely hopes that many of the Representatives will be available to come to the breakfast. The Roundtable is a coalition of nonpartisan, nonprofit women's community service organizations joined for the purpose of sharing information and providing a forum on children's issues. The goal of the Roundtable is to provide a structure for the members' organizations to interact and work together to enhance the quality of life for children in the Midlands of South Carolina. The Roundtable represents more than 2,000 women in the Midlands.
Should you have any questions please feel free to call me at 988-0018.

Sincerely,
Townes W. McClure
Roundtable Representative

SENATE AMENDMENTS
CONCURRED IN AND BILL ENROLLED

The Senate returned to the House with amendments the following:

S. 1031 (Word version) -- Senators Martin, Alexander, Bryan and Waldrep: A BILL TO PROVIDE THAT NOTWITHSTANDING THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION 59-39-105 OF THE 1976 CODE RELATING TO THE REQUIREMENTS FOR A STAR DIPLOMA, FOR THE 1997-98 AND 1998-99 SCHOOL YEARS ONLY, GRADUATING SENIORS FROM HIGH SCHOOL WHO HAVE COMPLETED TWENTY-FOUR UNITS OF CREDIT WITH THE ADDITIONAL REQUIRED UNITS IN ANY COURSE SHALL MEET THE COURSE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE STAR DIPLOMA AND SCHOLARSHIP; AND TO AMEND SECTION 59-39-105, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO STAR DIPLOMAS AND THE REQUIREMENTS FOR A STAR DIPLOMA, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT HONORS COURSES SHALL BE INCLUDED, ALONG WITH ADVANCED PLACEMENT AND INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE COURSES, IN THOSE COURSES WHERE GRADE POINT AVERAGES ARE ADJUSTED TO REFLECT GREATER DIFFICULTY.
Rep. HARRELL explained the Senate amendment.

The Senate amendments were agreed to, and the Bill, having received three readings in both Houses, it was ordered that the title be changed to that of an Act, and that it be enrolled for ratification.

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

On motion of Rep. HARRIS, with unanimous consent, the following was taken up for immediate consideration:

H. 4773 (Word version) -- Reps. A. Harris, Allison, Altman, Askins, Bailey, Barfield, Barrett, Battle, Bauer, Baxley, Beck, Boan, Bowers, Breeland, G. Brown, H. Brown, J. Brown, T. Brown, Byrd, Campsen, Canty, Carnell, Cato, Cave, Chellis, Clyburn, Cobb-Hunter, Cooper, Cotty, Cromer, Dantzler, Davenport, Delleney, Easterday, Edge, Felder, Fleming, Gamble, Gourdine, Govan, Hamilton, Harrell, Harrison, Harvin, Haskins, Hawkins, J. Hines, M. Hines, Hinson, Howard, Inabinett, Jennings, Jordan, Keegan, Kelley, Kennedy, Kinon, Kirsh, Klauber, Knotts, Koon, Lanford, Law, Leach, Lee, Limehouse, Littlejohn, Lloyd, Loftis, Mack, Maddox, Martin, Mason, McAbee, McCraw, McGee, McKay, McLeod, McMahand, McMaster, Meacham, Miller, Moody-Lawrence, Mullen, Neal, Neilson, Phillips, Pinckney, Quinn, Rhoad, Rice, Riser, Robinson, Rodgers, Sandifer, Scott, Seithel, Sharpe, Sheheen, Simrill, D. Smith, F. Smith, J. Smith, R. Smith, Spearman, Stille, Stoddard, Stuart, Townsend, Tripp, Trotter, Vaughn, Walker, Webb, Whatley, Whipper, Wilder, Wilkes, Wilkins, Witherspoon, Woodrum, Young and Young-Brickell: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION INVITING THE WINNERS OF THE 1998 JEAN LANEY HARRIS FOLK HERITAGE AWARDS AND THE MEMBERS OF THE 1998 JEAN LANEY HARRIS FOLK HERITAGE AWARDS ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO ATTEND A JOINT SESSION OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AND THE SENATE IN THE HALL OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ON WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 1998, AT 12:00 NOON AND TO RECOGNIZE AND COMMEND THE 1998 JEAN LANEY HARRIS FOLK HERITAGE AWARD WINNERS FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTIONS TO FOLK ART IN SOUTH CAROLINA.
Whereas, in 1987 the General Assembly created the South Carolina Folk Heritage Awards, recently renamed the Jean Laney Harris Folk Heritage Awards, to be presented each year by the General Assembly to South Carolina folk artists who have used their lives to create beauty and meaning for their communities and for their State in ways that are significant because their work has lasted, often for hundreds of years; and
Whereas, the winners of the 1998 Jean Laney Harris Folk Heritage Awards are citizens who have maintained and enriched the lives of all persons of their communities and of the State through their unique talents and through their substantial contributions to the traditional heritage of South Carolina; and
Whereas, the 1998 Jean Laney Harris Folk Heritage Awards Advisory Committee has performed its duties admirably. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:
That the members of the General Assembly invite the winners of the 1998 Jean Laney Harris Folk Heritage Awards and the members of the 1998 Jean Laney Harris Folk Heritage Awards Advisory Committee to attend a joint session of the House of Representatives and the Senate in the Hall of the House of Representatives at 12:00 noon on Wednesday, April 15, 1998, and that the members of the General Assembly recognize and commend the 1998 Jean Laney Harris Folk Heritage Awards winners for their outstanding contributions to folk art in South Carolina.

The Concurrent Resolution was agreed to and ordered sent to the Senate.

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

The following was introduced:

H. 4774 (Word version) -- Rep. Martin: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO EXPRESS THE SINCERE CONGRATULATIONS OF THE MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA TO DAWN HOFFSTETTER, A STUDENT AT LAKESIDE MIDDLE SCHOOL IN ANDERSON COUNTY, UPON BEING NAMED ONE OF SOUTH CAROLINA'S TOP TWO 1998 YOUTH VOLUNTEERS BY THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF SECONDARY SCHOOL PRINCIPALS AND THE PRUDENTIAL INSURANCE COMPANY OF AMERICA.
The Concurrent Resolution was agreed to and ordered sent to the Senate.

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

The Senate sent to the House the following:

S. 1009 (Word version) -- Senators McConnell and Passailaigue: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO MEMORIALIZE THE SOUTH CAROLINA CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION AND THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS TO REJECT ANY LEGISLATION THAT WOULD EXEMPT HEALTH PLANS SPONSORED BY ASSOCIATIONS AND MULTIPLE EMPLOYER WELFARE ARRANGEMENTS FROM STATE INSURANCE STANDARDS AND OVERSIGHT.
The Concurrent Resolution was ordered referred to the Committee on Invitations and Memorial Resolutions.

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

The Senate sent to the House the following:

S. 1100 (Word version) -- Senator Hutto: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION EXPRESSING THE SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY AT THE DEATH OF DANNY EUGENE ATKINS OF BLACKVILLE, SUPERINTENDENT OF BARNWELL SCHOOL DISTRICT #19, AND EXTENDING DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.
The Concurrent Resolution was agreed to and ordered returned to the Senate with concurrence.

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

The Senate sent to the House the following:

S. 1101 (Word version) -- Senator Setzler: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION EXPRESSING THE APPRECIATION OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO ARTHUR G. DANTZLER OF CAYCE FOR HIS DEDICATED SERVICE TO THE CITY OF CAYCE, THE COUNTY OF LEXINGTON, AND THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA IN THE FIELDS OF LAW ENFORCEMENT, FIREFIGHTING, AND PUBLIC SAFETY, AND WISHING HIM MANY YEARS OF HEALTH AND HAPPINESS FOLLOWING HIS RETIREMENT.
The Concurrent Resolution was agreed to and ordered returned to the Senate with concurrence.

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

The Senate sent to the House the following:

S. 1102 (Word version) -- Senators Giese, Courson, Patterson and Jackson: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO HONOR THE SEVENTY- FIFTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FOUNDING OF THE COLLEGE OF JOURNALISM AND MASS COMMUNICATIONS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA AND TO PROUDLY RECOGNIZE THE OUTSTANDING NUMBER OF JOURNALISM AND MASS COMMUNICATIONS GRADUATES WHO HAVE BECOME LEADERS THROUGHOUT THE WORLD.
The Concurrent Resolution was agreed to and ordered returned to the Senate with concurrence.

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

The Senate sent to the House the following:

S. 1103 (Word version) -- Senator Jackson: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO CONGRATULATE TALLY AND FLORENCE ADAMS, THEIR CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN, OF EASTOVER ON THE OCCASION OF THEIR SELECTION AS THE 1998 "OUTSTANDING NATIONAL BLACK FAMILY" ON MARCH 5, 1998, AT THE 12TH ANNUAL NATIONAL BLACK FAMILY SUMMIT IN MYRTLE BEACH, SOUTH CAROLINA.
The Concurrent Resolution was agreed to and ordered returned to the Senate with concurrence.

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS

The following Bills were introduced, read the first time, and referred to appropriate committees:

H. 4775 (Word version) -- Rep. Wilkins: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 27-18-190, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO ADMINISTRATOR'S NOTICE OF ABANDONED PROPERTY UNDER THE UNIFORM UNCLAIMED PROPERTY ACT, SO AS TO REVISE THE PUBLICATION PROCEDURE FOR PUBLISHING OF NOTICE AND TO DELETE REQUIREMENT OF A MAILED NOTICE.
Referred to Committee on Judiciary.

H. 4776 (Word version) -- Rep. Easterday: A BILL TO AMEND ARTICLE 5 OF CHAPTER 77, TITLE 38, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE STATE'S AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE LAW AND THE SOUTH CAROLINA REINSURANCE FACILITY, DESIGNATED PRODUCERS, AND FACILITY RECOUPMENT CHARGES, BY ADDING SECTION 38-77-627 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR DISCLOSURE OF ECONOMIC IMPACT BY AN INSURER AS THE RESULT OF A CLAIM BEING FILED BY AN INSURED, ALLOW THE FORMAL WITHDRAWAL OF A CLAIM BY THE INSURED FOLLOWING RECEIPT OF THE ECONOMIC IMPACT DISCLOSURE, PROVIDE FOR APPROVAL OF FORMS AND THE PROMULGATION OF REGULATIONS BY THE DIRECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE, PROVIDE FOR WAIVER BY THE INSURED OF HIS RIGHTS AND PRIVILEGES UNDER THIS SECTION, AND PROVIDE FOR AN ADMINISTRATIVE FINE TO BE ASSESSED AGAINST AN INSURER WHICH VIOLATES THIS SECTION.
Referred to Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry.

H. 4777 (Word version) -- Reps. Barfield and Witherspoon: A BILL TO AMEND CHAPTER 21, TITLE 50, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO WATERCRAFT EQUIPMENT AND OPERATION, BY ADDING SECTION 50-21-136 SO AS TO ESTABLISH A NO WAKE ZONE ON THE WACCAMAW RIVER.
Referred to Committee on Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs.

S. 1003 (Word version) -- Senator Peeler: A BILL TO AMEND ARTICLE 5, CHAPTER 9, TITLE 50, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO HUNTING AND FISHING LICENSES, BY ADDING SECTION 50-9-535 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT IT IS UNLAWFUL TO HUNT, TAKE, OR POSSESS MIGRATORY GAME BIRDS WITHOUT FIRST OBTAINING A MIGRATORY GAME BIRD PERMIT AT NO COST FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES.
Referred to Committee on Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs.

HOUSE RESOLUTION

The following was introduced:

H. 4778 (Word version) -- Rep. McLeod: A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO EXTEND BEST WISHES AND APPRECIATION TO THE HONORABLE JOHN SUMMER HUGGINS OF POMARIA, A DISTINGUISHED SON OF NEWBERRY COUNTY AND OF NEWBERRY COLLEGE, AN ABLE PRACTITIONER OF THE LAW, A PROMINENT AND PROGRESSIVE LEGISLATOR, A DEDICATED CHURCHMAN, AND A LOVING AND DEVOTED HUSBAND, FATHER, AND GRANDFATHER.
The Resolution was adopted.

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

The following was introduced:

H. 4779 (Word version) -- Reps. Young, Woodrum, Harvin, Canty, Neal and G. Brown: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION EXPRESSING SORROW AT THE DEATH OF THE HONORABLE LESLIE EARL PACK, SUMTER COUNTY MAGISTRATE, AND EXTENDING DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.
The Concurrent Resolution was agreed to and ordered sent to the Senate.

ROLL CALL

The roll call of the House of Representatives was taken resulting as follows.

Allison                   Altman                    Bailey
Barfield                  Barrett                   Battle
Bauer                     Baxley                    Beck
Boan                      Bowers                    Brown, G.
Brown, H.                 Brown, J.                 Brown, T.
Byrd                      Campsen                   Carnell
Cato                      Cave                      Chellis
Clyburn                   Cobb-Hunter               Cooper
Cotty                     Cromer                    Dantzler
Davenport                 Delleney                  Easterday
Edge                      Fleming                   Gamble
Gourdine                  Govan                     Hamilton
Harrell                   Harris                    Harrison
Harvin                    Haskins                   Hawkins
Hines, J.                 Hines, M.                 Hinson
Howard                    Inabinett                 Jennings
Jordan                    Keegan                    Kelley
Kennedy                   Kinon                     Kirsh
Klauber                   Knotts                    Koon
Lanford                   Law                       Leach
Lee                       Limehouse                 Littlejohn
Lloyd                     Loftis                    Mack
Maddox                    Martin                    Mason
McAbee                    McCraw                    McGee
McKay                     McLeod                    McMahand
Meacham                   Miller                    Moody-Lawrence
Neilson                   Phillips                  Pinckney
Quinn                     Rice                      Riser
Robinson                  Rodgers                   Sandifer
Scott                     Seithel                   Sharpe
Sheheen                   Simrill                   Smith, D.
Smith, F.                 Smith, J.                 Smith, R.
Spearman                  Stille                    Stoddard
Stuart                    Townsend                  Tripp
Trotter                   Vaughn                    Walker
Webb                      Whatley                   Wilder
Wilkes                    Wilkins                   Witherspoon
Woodrum                   Young                     Young-Brickell

STATEMENT OF ATTENDANCE

I came in after the roll call and was present for the Session on Tuesday, March 10.

Joe McMaster                       Ralph W. Canty
Thomas N. Rhoad                    John G. Felder
Jackson S. Whipper

Total Present--119

LEAVE OF ABSENCE

The SPEAKER granted Rep. ASKINS a leave of absence for the week due to family reasons.

DOCTOR OF THE DAY

Announcement was made that Dr. James R. Pruitt of Seneca is the Doctor of the Day for the General Assembly.

H. 4662--CO-SPONSOR ADDED

In accordance with House Rule 5.2 below:
"5.2   Every bill before presentation shall have its title endorsed; every report, its title at length; every petition, memorial, or other paper, its prayer or substance; and, in every instance, the name of the member presenting any paper shall be endorsed and papers shall be presented by the member to the Speaker at the desk. After a bill or resolution has been presented and given first reading, no further names of co-sponsors may be added. A member may add his name to a bill or resolution or a co-sponsor of a bill or resolution may remove his name at any time prior to the bill or resolution receiving passage on second reading. The member or co-sponsor shall notify the Clerk of the House in writing of his desire to have his name added or removed from the bill or resolution. The Clerk of the House shall print the member's or co-sponsor's written notification in the House Journal. The removal or addition of a name does not apply to a bill or resolution sponsored by a committee."

Bill Number:     H. 4662 (Word version)
DATE         ADD:
3/10/98         Edith Martin Rodgers

H. 4360--CO-SPONSOR ADDED

Bill Number:     H. 4360 (Word version)
DATE         ADD:
3/10/98         James Emerson Smith, Jr.

SENT TO THE SENATE

The following Bills and Joint Resolutions were taken up, read the third time, and ordered sent to the Senate.

H. 4725 (Word version) -- Reps. Cato and Vaughn: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO PROVIDE FOR DISBURSEMENT OF EXCESS FUNDS COLLECTED BY THE UPPER GREENVILLE COUNTY HOSPITAL DISTRICT BY WAY OF GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS AUTHORIZED BY ACT 744 OF 1967 AND ACT 1533 OF 1968 UPON HOLDING OF A PUBLIC HEARING AND APPROVAL OF THE DISBURSEMENT PLAN BY THE GREENVILLE COUNTY LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION.

H. 4736 (Word version) -- Reps. A. Harris, Neilson, Jennings and Baxley: A BILL TO PROVIDE FOR THE PER DIEM AND MILEAGE FOR MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF THE CHESTERFIELD COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT AND TO REPEAL ACT 235 OF 1981, RELATING TO PER DIEM AND MILEAGE FOR MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF THE CHESTERFIELD COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT.

H. 4438 (Word version) -- Reps. Davenport, Knotts and Limehouse: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 6-9-60, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA BUILDING CODES COUNCIL, SO AS TO INCREASE THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE COUNCIL FROM FIFTEEN TO SIXTEEN MEMBERS AND TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF MEMBERS CONSTITUTING A QUORUM FOR THE PURPOSE OF COUNCIL MEETINGS.

H. 4699 (Word version) -- Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES, RELATING TO NONGAME AND ENDANGERED SPECIES: RED-COCKADED WOODPECKERS, DESIGNATED AS REGULATION DOCUMENT NUMBER 2251, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 1, CHAPTER 23, TITLE 1 OF THE 1976 CODE.
Rep. SHARPE explained the Joint Resolution.

H. 4702 (Word version) -- Ways and Means Committee: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROPRIATE MONIES FROM THE CAPITAL RESERVE FUND FOR FISCAL YEAR 1997-98.

H. 4701 (Word version) -- Ways and Means Committee: A BILL TO MAKE SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS OF SURPLUS GENERAL FUND REVENUES AND TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 13-1-1770 SO AS TO ESTABLISH WITHIN THE ADVISORY COORDINATING COUNCIL FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE A DOWNTOWN REDEVELOPMENT GRANT PROGRAM FOR THE PURPOSE OF REVITALIZING AND ENHANCING THE VIABILITY OF DOWNTOWN AREAS THROUGH PARTNERSHIPS OF MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT, COUNTY GOVERNMENT, AND PRIVATE INVESTORS AND TO PROVIDE MINIMUM CRITERIA FOR AWARDING THIS GRANT.

S. 1063--DEBATE ADJOURNED

Rep. ROBINSON moved to adjourn debate upon the following Bill until Wednesday, March 11, which was adopted.

S. 1063 (Word version) -- Senators Martin and Alexander: A BILL TO PROVIDE FOR AN ADVISORY ELECTION AMONG PICKENS COUNTY VETERANS TO NOMINATE A CANDIDATE TO THE PICKENS COUNTY LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION FOR RECOMMENDATION TO THE STATE DIRECTOR OF VETERANS' AFFAIRS FOR APPOINTMENT AS PICKENS COUNTY VETERANS AFFAIRS OFFICER.

ORDERED TO THIRD READING

The following Bills and Joint Resolutions were taken up, read the second time, and ordered to a third reading:

H. 4745 (Word version) -- Reps. R. Smith, Beck, Mason, Clyburn and Sharpe: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO PROVIDE THAT THE SCHOOL DAY MISSED ON OCTOBER 22, 1997, BY THE STUDENTS OF MIDLAND VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL OF AIKEN COUNTY WHEN THE SCHOOL WAS CLOSED BECAUSE OF A MAJOR BREAKDOWN OF AN ELECTRICAL TRUNK FEEDER LINE INTO THE SCHOOL IS EXEMPTED FROM THE MAKE-UP REQUIREMENT OF THE DEFINED MINIMUM PLAN PROVIDING THAT FULL SCHOOL DAYS MISSED DUE TO EXTREME WEATHER OR OTHER CIRCUMSTANCES BE MADE UP.

H. 4753 (Word version) -- Rep. Cave: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 7-7-55, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO VOTING PLACES IN ALLENDALE COUNTY, SO AS TO DELETE THE SPECIFIC POLLING PLACES FOR EACH VOTING PRECINCT AND PROVIDE THAT THE POLLING PLACES MUST BE ESTABLISHED BY THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTIONS COMMISSION FOR ALLENDALE COUNTY SUBJECT TO THE APPROVAL OF A MAJORITY OF THE ALLENDALE COUNTY LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION.

S. 1072 (Word version) -- Senators Patterson, Giese, Courson and Jackson: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO PROVIDE THAT THE SCHOOL DAY OF DECEMBER 16, 1997, MISSED BY THE STUDENTS OF OLYMPIA SCHOOL OF RICHLAND COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT ONE WHEN THE SCHOOL WAS CLOSED DUE TO A FIRE AND EXPLOSION AT LINDAU CHEMICAL COMPANY IS EXEMPTED FROM THE MAKE-UP REQUIREMENT OF THE DEFINED MINIMUM PLAN THAT SCHOOL DAYS MISSED DUE TO EXTREME WEATHER OR OTHER CIRCUMSTANCES BE MADE UP.

S. 1073 (Word version) -- Senators Patterson, Giese, Courson and Jackson: A JOINT RESOLUTION TO PROVIDE THAT THE SCHOOL DAY OF OCTOBER 29, 1997, MISSED BY THE STUDENTS OF WEBBER SCHOOL OF RICHLAND COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT ONE WHEN THE SCHOOL WAS CLOSED DUE TO A RUPTURED SEWER LINE AND THE ABSENCE OF RUNNING WATER IS EXEMPTED FROM THE MAKE-UP REQUIREMENT OF THE DEFINED MINIMUM PLAN THAT SCHOOL DAYS MISSED DUE TO EXTREME WEATHER OR OTHER CIRCUMSTANCES BE MADE UP.

H. 4768 (Word version) -- Reps. Hinson, H. Brown, Law, Gourdine and Dantzler: A BILL TO REPEAL ACT 159 OF 1995, RELATING TO THE DEVOLUTION OF APPOINTMENTS AND BUDGETARY APPROVALS FOR CERTAIN OFFICES, BOARDS, AND COMMISSIONS FROM THE JOINT LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION REPRESENTING BERKELEY COUNTY TO THE GOVERNING BODY OF BERKELEY COUNTY AND PROVIDE THAT ALL APPOINTMENTS PREVIOUSLY MADE PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY CONFERRED PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF ACT 159 OF 1995 SHALL CONTINUE UNTIL THE EXPIRATION OF THE TERMS FOR WHICH THEY WERE APPOINTED OR A VACANCY OCCURS.

H. 4589 (Word version) -- Reps. Klauber, Hawkins, Cato and Gamble: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 12-56-20, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS FOR PURPOSES OF THE SETOFF DEBT COLLECTION ACT, SO AS TO EXTEND THE DEFINITION OF "POLITICAL SUBDIVISION" TO INCLUDE THE SOUTH CAROLINA ASSOCIATION OF HOUSING AUTHORITY EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS.
Rep. KLAUBER explained the Bill.

ORDERED ENROLLED FOR RATIFICATION

The following Bill was read the third time, passed and, having received three readings in both Houses, it was ordered that the title be changed to that of an Act, and that it be enrolled for ratification.

S. 835 (Word version) -- Senators Peeler and Reese: A BILL TO REPEAL SECTION 50-1-95, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE REQUIREMENT FOR REPORTING OF HUNTING ACCIDENTS.

H. 3758--DEBATE ADJOURNED

The following Bill was taken up.

H. 3758 (Word version) -- Rep. Felder: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 25-11-40, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO COUNTY VETERANS AFFAIRS OFFICERS, SO AS TO, AMONG OTHER THINGS, PROVIDE A DEFINITION OF "VETERAN", REQUIRE THE APPOINTMENT OF A VETERAN TO THE POST OF COUNTY VETERANS AFFAIRS OFFICER, PROVIDE EXCEPTIONS, CHANGE PROVISIONS REGARDING THE TERM OF OFFICE, AND PROVIDE FOR A TRAINING COURSE, ACCREDITATION, AND REFRESHER TRAINING.

Rep. COOPER moved to adjourn debate upon the Bill until Tuesday, March 17.
Rep. BREELAND moved to table the motion.
Rep. YOUNG-BRICKELL demanded the yeas and nays, which were not ordered.
The House refused to table the motion by a division vote of 14 to 64.

The question then recurred to the motion to adjourn debate until Tuesday, March 17, which was agreed to.

H. 4360--REQUESTS FOR DEBATE

The following Bill was taken up.

H. 4360 (Word version) -- Reps. Limehouse, Wilkins, Allison, Altman, Barrett, Bauer, Barfield, H. Brown, Campsen, Cato, Dantzler, Davenport, Delleney, Felder, Fleming, Harrell, Harrison, Haskins, Hawkins, Jordan, Keegan, Kelley, Kinon, Klauber, Law, Littlejohn, Lloyd, McMaster, Maddox, Rice, Riser, Robinson, Sandifer, D. Smith, F. Smith, R. Smith, Tripp, Trotter, Vaughn, Whatley, Witherspoon, Young, Bailey, Cotty, Hinson, Gamble, Knotts, Leach, Meacham, Rodgers, Seithel, Stille, Walker, Easterday, Mason, Young-Brickell and J. Smith: A BILL TO AMEND TITLE 44, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO HEALTH, BY ADDING CHAPTER 48 SO AS TO ENACT THE "SEXUALLY VIOLENT PREDATOR ACT" INCLUDING PROVISIONS TO ESTABLISH PROCEDURES FOR DETERMINING IF A PERSON IS A SEXUALLY VIOLENT PREDATOR, TO PROVIDE FOR THE RIGHTS OF SUCH PERSONS IN THIS PROCESS, AND TO AUTHORIZE THE COMMITMENT OF SUCH PERSON TO THE DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH UPON ANTICIPATION OF RELEASE FROM INCARCERATION UNTIL THE PERSON IS SAFE TO BE AT LARGE; TO AMEND SECTION 16-3-1110, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS IN REGARD TO COMPENSATION OF VICTIMS OF CRIME AND TOLLING THE STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME WHO HAVE A CAUSE OF ACTION AGAINST AN INCARCERATED OFFENDER, SO AS TO FURTHER PROVIDE FOR THE TOLLING OF THE STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME IN REGARD TO PERSONS RELEASED FROM COMMITMENT PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 48 OF TITLE 44; TO AMEND CHAPTER 3, TITLE 24, RELATING TO THE STATE PRISON SYSTEM, BY ADDING SECTION 24-3-85 SO AS TO AUTHORIZE THE DIRECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS TO ADMIT AND DETAIN PERSONS TRANSFERRED PURSUANT TO AN INTERAGENCY AGREEMENT AUTHORIZED BY CHAPTER 48 OF TITLE 44; AND TO AMEND SECTION 44-22-10, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS IN REGARD TO THE RIGHTS OF MENTAL HEALTH PATIENTS, SO AS TO EXCLUDE FROM THE DEFINITION OF "PATIENT" A PERSON COMMITTED TO THE DEPARTMENT PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 48 OF TITLE 44.
Reps. HARRISON, D. SMITH, ALLISON, SEITHEL, LITTLEJOHN, YOUNG, J. SMITH, LIMEHOUSE, HAWKINS, BAUER, SHARPE, LEACH, F. SMITH, DAVENPORT, WHATLEY, MACK, KNOTTS and MOODY-LAWRENCE requested debate on the Bill.

MESSAGE FROM THE SENATE

The following was received.
Columbia, S.C., March 10, 1998
Mr. Speaker and Members of the House:
The Senate respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it has granted Free Conference Powers and appointed Senators Mescher, Branton and Grooms of the Committee of Free Conference on the part of the Senate on S. 461:
S. 461 (Word version) -- Senators Mescher and Rose: A BILL TO CREATE A REGISTRATION AND ELECTIONS COMMISSION FOR BERKELEY COUNTY, ABOLISH THE COMMISSIONERS OF ELECTION AND THE REGISTRATION BOARD OF BERKELEY COUNTY, AND DEVOLVE THEIR POWERS AND DUTIES UPON THE CREATED COMMISSION.
Very respectfully,
President
Received as information.

MESSAGE FROM THE SENATE

The following was received.
Columbia, S.C., March 10, 1998
Mr. Speaker and Members of the House:
The Senate respectfully informs your Honorable Body that it has adopted the report of the Committee of Free Conference on S. 461:
S. 461 (Word version) -- Senators Mescher and Rose: A BILL TO CREATE A REGISTRATION AND ELECTIONS COMMISSION FOR BERKELEY COUNTY, ABOLISH THE COMMISSIONERS OF ELECTION AND THE REGISTRATION BOARD OF BERKELEY COUNTY, AND DEVOLVE THEIR POWERS AND DUTIES UPON THE CREATED COMMISSION.
Very respectfully,
President
Received as information.

S. 461--FREE CONFERENCE POWERS GRANTED

Rep. LAW moved that the Committee of Conference on the following Bill be resolved into a Committee of Free Conference and briefly explained the Conference Committee's reasons for this request.

S. 461 (Word version) -- Senators Mescher and Rose: A BILL TO CREATE A REGISTRATION AND ELECTIONS COMMISSION FOR BERKELEY COUNTY, ABOLISH THE COMMISSIONERS OF ELECTION AND THE REGISTRATION BOARD OF BERKELEY COUNTY, AND DEVOLVE THEIR POWERS AND DUTIES UPON THE CREATED COMMISSION.

The yeas and nays were taken resulting as follows:

Yeas 14; Nays 1

Those who voted in the affirmative are:

Cobb-Hunter               Cotty                     Dantzler
Gourdine                  Hinson                    Law
Leach                     Maddox                    Martin
McGee                     Simrill                   Smith, J.
Wilkins                   Woodrum

Total--14

Those who voted in the negative are:

Tripp

Total--1

So, the motion to resolve the Committee of Conference into a Committee of Free Conference was agreed to.
The Committee of Conference was thereby resolved into a Committee of Free Conference, the SPEAKER appointed Reps. DANTZLER, LAW and HINSON to the Committee of Free Conference and a message was ordered sent to the Senate accordingly.

S. 461--FREE CONFERENCE REPORT ADOPTED
FREE CONFERENCE REPORT
The General Assembly, Columbia, S.C., February 19, 1998

The COMMITTEE OF CONFERENCE, to whom was referred:
S. 461 (Word version) -- Senators Mescher and Rose: A BILL TO CREATE A REGISTRATION AND ELECTIONS COMMISSION FOR BERKELEY COUNTY, ABOLISH THE COMMISSIONERS OF ELECTION AND THE REGISTRATION BOARD OF BERKELEY COUNTY, AND DEVOLVE THEIR POWERS AND DUTIES UPON THE CREATED COMMISSION.
Beg leave to report that they have duly and carefully considered the same and recommend:
That the same do pass with the following amendments:
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by striking all after the enacting words and inserting therein the following:
/SECTION   1.   Notwithstanding any other provision of law:
(A)   Effective March 15, 1998, there is established the Board of Elections and Voter Registration of Berkeley County to be composed of nine members appointed by the Governor upon the recommendation of a majority of the senators representing the county and a majority of the members of the House of Representatives representing the county.
The term of office for the members of the board is two years commencing on the fifteenth day of March in each even-numbered year. In case of a vacancy from any cause on the board, the vacancy must be filled in the same manner of original appointment, as provided in this section, for the unexpired term. The members of the board by majority vote shall elect the board's chairman, and the chairman shall serve a term of two years and may be reelected to that office for any number of successive terms without limitation. The board may choose to elect a vice chair, a secretary, and other officers as the board deems appropriate. The board shall employ a director, determine his or her compensation, and determine the number and compensation of other staff positions. These salaries must be consistent with the compensation schedules established by the county for similar positions. The director is responsible for hiring and management of the staff positions established by the board that report to the director. Staff positions are subject to the personnel system policies and procedures by which all county employees are regulated, except that the director shall serve at the pleasure of the board.
(B)   The Governor shall notify the State Election Commission in writing of the appointments made under subsection (A) of this section.
(C)   The Board of Elections and Voter Registration of Berkeley County shall notify the State Election Commission in writing of the name of the
person elected as chairman of the board under subsection (A) of this section.
(D)   A member who misses three consecutive meetings of the board is considered to have resigned his office and a vacancy therein shall exist which must be filled in the manner provided in subsection (A) of this section.
(E)   Except as otherwise specifically provided in subsections (A), (B), (C), and (D) of this section, the provisions of law contained in Title 7 of the 1976 Code of Laws relating to county boards of voter registration and county election com missions apply to the Board of Elections and Voter Registration of Berkeley County, mutatis mutandis.
SECTION   2.   (A)   The Berkeley County Board of Voter Registration is abolished effective March 15, 1998, and its functions, duties, and powers are devolved upon the Board of Elections and Voter Registration of Berkeley County as established under Section 1 of this act.
(B)   The Berkeley County Election Commission is abolished effective March 15, 1998, and its functions, duties, and powers are devolved upon the Board of Elections and Voter Registration of Berkeley County as established under Section 1 of this act.
SECTION   3.   (A)   The terms of the members of the Berkeley County Board of Voter Registration, regardless of when these members were appointed to office or when their current terms would otherwise have expired, expire for all purposes upon the abolishment of that board as provided under subsection (A) of Section 2 of this act.
(B)   The terms of the members of the Berkeley County Election Commission, regardless of when these members were appointed to office or when their current terms would otherwise have expired, expire for all purposes upon abolishment of that commission as provided under subsection (B) of Section 2 of this act.
(C)   Notwithstanding subsections (A) and (B) of this section or any other provision of this act, no person serving as a member of the Berkeley County Board of Voter Registration or the Berkeley County Election Commission shall be removed from office, nor shall that board and that commission be abolished, until this act has been given final approval by the United States Department of Justice.
SECTION   4.   Except as otherwise specifically provided in this act, this act takes effect upon approval by the Governor./
Amend title to conform.

/s/Senator William C. Mescher     /s/Rep. Thomas M. Dantzler
/s/Senator Bill Branton           /s/Rep. James N. Law
/s/Senator Larry Grooms           /s/Rep. Shirley R. Hinson
On part of the Senate.            On part of the House.

The Free Conference Rreport was adopted and a message was ordered sent to the Senate accordingly.

H. 4113--REQUEST FOR DEBATE WITHDRAWN

Rep. SIMRILL withdrew his request for debate on H. 4113 (Word version); however, other requests for debate remained upon the Bill.

H. 4468--OBJECTIONS AND
REQUESTS FOR DEBATE WITHDRAWN

Reps. COTTY, MOODY-LAWRENCE, SCOTT, HAMILTON, GOURDINE and R. SMITH withdrew their requests for debate on H. 4468; however, other requests for debate remained upon the Bill.

MOTION PERIOD

The motion period was dispensed with on motion of Rep. CROMER.

H. 4354--INTERRUPTED DEBATE

The following Bill was taken up:

H. 4354 (Word version) -- Reps. Cato, Kirsh, Mason, Sandifer and Seithel: A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 34-1-20, AS AMENDED, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS TO THE STATE BOARD OF FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS, SO AS TO REFLECT THE MERGER OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA BANKERS ASSOCIATION AND THE STATE SAVINGS AND LOAN LEAGUE.

The Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee proposed the following Amendment No. 1 (Doc Name P:\AMEND\GJK\21226SD.98).
Amend the bill, as and if amended, by striking Section 34-1-20 of the 1976 Code, as contained in SECTION 1, and inserting:
/Section 34-1-20.   The State Board of Financial Institutions is composed of ten members, one of whom is the State Treasurer as an ex officio member, who is and as the chairman. The remaining nine members must be appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate. Three must be engaged in commercial banking and recommended by the State South Carolina Bankers Association, two must be engaged in the savings and loan association business and recommended by the State Savings and Loan League South Carolina Bankers Association, one must be recommended by the association of supervised lenders, one must be engaged in the licensed consumer finance business as a restricted lender and recommended by the association of restricted lenders, one must be engaged in the cooperative credit union business and recommended by the State Cooperative Credit Union League, and one must be unaffiliated with any a financial organization and shall serve as a representative of the consumer of the State. The terms of the present members are not affected. All Each member shall serve and represent the best interest interests of the public and no appointed member shall serve more than two consecutive four-year terms. Before a vacancy on the board, except for consumer representatives, the The association which is to provide a member to fill a vacancy on the board, except for a consumer representative, shall submit three names from the appropriate business, none of whom represent the same institution, from which the Governor shall select one./
Renumber sections to conform.
Amend totals and title to conform.

Rep. GAMBLE explained the amendment.

Rep. LEACH moved to recommit the Bill.

Rep. CATO moved to table the motion and demanded the yeas and nays, which were taken resulting as follows:

Yeas 74; Nays 28

Those who voted in the affirmative are:

Allison                   Bailey                    Barrett
Battle                    Beck                      Bowers
Brown, H.                 Brown, T.                 Canty
Carnell                   Cato                      Chellis
Clyburn                   Cooper                    Cotty
Dantzler                  Davenport                 Delleney
Edge                      Gamble                    Govan
Harrell                   Harris                    Harrison
Haskins                   Hawkins                   Hinson
Howard                    Inabinett                 Keegan
Kelley                    Kinon                     Kirsh
Klauber                   Knotts                    Koon
Lanford                   Law                       Lee
Limehouse                 Littlejohn                Mason
McAbee                    McCraw                    McGee
McKay                     McLeod                    McMahand
Meacham                   Miller                    Moody-Lawrence
Phillips                  Quinn                     Rice
Riser                     Robinson                  Rodgers
Sandifer                  Seithel                   Sharpe
Sheheen                   Simrill                   Smith, D.
Smith, J.                 Smith, R.                 Spearman
Stoddard                  Trotter                   Vaughn
Walker                    Wilder                    Witherspoon
Young                     Young-Brickell

Total--74

Those who voted in the negative are:

Bauer                     Baxley                    Breeland
Cave                      Cobb-Hunter               Cromer
Easterday                 Fleming                   Gourdine
Hamilton                  Harvin                    Hines, J.
Hines, M.                 Kennedy                   Leach
Lloyd                     Loftis                    Mack
Neilson                   Scott                     Stille
Stuart                    Townsend                  Tripp
Webb                      Whatley                   Wilkes
Woodrum

Total--28

So, the motion to recommit was tabled.

Rep. CATO moved that the House do now adjourn, which was adopted.

Further proceedings were interrupted by adjournment, the pending question being consideration of Amendment No. 1.

ADJOURNMENT

At 1:00 P.M. the House in accordance with the motion of Rep. STUART adjourned in memory of Ms. Lucille Turney High of Columbia, to meet at 10:00 A.M. tomorrow.

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